As the Baltimore Orioles gear up for the 2026 season, all eyes are on the fresh faces in their coaching lineup, particularly the new manager, Craig Albernaz. But there's another name fans should keep an eye on: Joe Singley. At just 28, Singley is stepping into the role of catching coach and field coordinator, and the Orioles believe he could be their secret weapon this season.
Singley's rapid rise in the MLB coaching ranks is impressive. After serving as an assistant catching coach with the Cincinnati Reds and spending last year with the Miami Marlins, he's now poised to make a significant impact in Baltimore.
Albernaz, who hasn't worked directly with Singley before, might have sought insights from his former boss, Gabe Kapler, to get a sense of Singley's potential. And it seems the feedback was glowing.
Albernaz has been vocal about his admiration for Singley, hailing him as the best catching coach in the game. That's quite the endorsement from someone who climbed the coaching ladder from the minors to the big leagues with the San Francisco Giants.
Singley's role extends beyond just coaching catchers. As the field coordinator, he's responsible for organizing the team's drills and workouts, ensuring the Orioles are prepped and ready for the season ahead. He's particularly excited about working with Adley Rutschman and Samuel Basallo, two catchers he regards as among the best in the game.
Basallo's development will be particularly intriguing to watch. After a challenging debut last season, having a younger coach like Singley could be pivotal in helping him reach his potential. The Orioles have contingency plans if Basallo struggles, but Singley's guidance might just be the boost he needs.
Additionally, Singley will play a crucial role in strategizing the use of the ABS challenge system. While the Orioles have been cautious with it during spring training, that approach might shift as the season progresses.
Having such a young coach in the dugout might be unconventional, but if Singley contributes to the Orioles' success, fans will likely embrace his youthful presence. His age won't matter as long as the team is winning games.